This announcement is not a request for proposals nor a request for SF 330s. The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), Pacific Northwest Regional Office Contracts Group, intends to negotiate a sole-source contract for Architect and Engineering Services (NAICS Code 541330) in support of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Habitat Program in the Upper and Middle Fork John Day River sub-basins in Oregon. The National Marine Fisheries Service's Biological Opinion for the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) requires Reclamation to complete off-site habitat work to mitigate for the effects of the FCRPS operation and configuration. The goal of the off-site work is to improve migration, spawning, and rearing habitat in priority sub-basins. Among other things, the Biological Opinion requires Reclamation to address flow, passage, and screening problems in the Upper Mainstem and Middle Fork sub-basins of the John Day River. Much of the work currently accomplished by the Grant County Soil and Water Conservation District (District) contributes significantly to achieving habitat improvements in these areas. As a local subdivision of Oregon State Government with a licensed professional engineer on staff, the District is a public body permitted to complete engineering work in the State of Oregon. Accordingly, Reclamation intends to negotiate a contract for architect and engineering services with the District to further Reclamation's progress in meeting its habitat improvement obligations by enhancing the District's abilities to complete relevant planning and design activities. The participation of the District in project planning and design will assure local coordination and input to projects, expedite project completion, and increase the opportunity for implementing a broader range of projects. These projects should ultimately lead to greater adoption of improved watershed practices within the community. In addition, Reclamation's contract with the District is expected to enhance program work by providing: improved knowledge of the study area and subbasins; familiarity with the subbasins' natural, cultural and recreational resource status, problems, and needs (existing and potential); local understanding of Reclamation's responsibilities under the current Biological Opinion; engagement of the various publics who have an interest in the development and management of water resources that may be affected by activities pursued under the BiOp; and coordinated use of pertinent studies, reports, GIS databases, and maps of the area. Reclamation believes that the District is uniquely qualified to provide these services, as it has legal jurisdiction, direct management responsibilities, demonstrated expertise, and special knowledge in planning, design and implementation of fish habitat improvement facilities and measures in the John Day River sub-basins. In addition, the District is closely familiar with specific fish passage problems related to agricultural activities and has developed working relationships with landowners and other organizations involved with habitat enhancement throughout the sub-basins. Furthermore, Reclamation has previously worked cooperatively with the District to complete successful projects in the sub-basins under a similar contract awarded to the District in 2002. As a result, a contract to enhance the District's continued involvement and Reclamation's close coordination with their ongoing local program will ensure that program continuity is maintained, applicable State and Federal standards are met, and fish and wildlife interests, enhancement opportunities, and issues are clearly identified, prioritized, and dealt with accordingly. Because of the District's unique qualifications and position in subbasin habitat enhancement relative to Reclamation's needs for the above-referenced services, Reclamation intends to negotiate the contract using other than full and open competition procedures. The period of performance of the contract will be for fiscal years 2008 through 2013, with contract funding availability and amounts to be determined annually. No solicitation is available. Parties who believe they have knowledge of the John Day ESA Habitat Program and related landowner issues sufficient to provide relevant AE services may send an SF 330 demonstrating their firm's qualifications to the address listed above. No phone or fax inquiries will be considered. See Numbered Note 22.